Drip-cup for umbrellas



N M d 1.) H. A. RUNKLE.

DRIP GUPI'OR UMBRBLLAS.

Patented Oct. 27,1891.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HOXVARD A. RUNKLE, OF READING, PENNSYLVANIA.

DRIP-CU P FOR UMBRELLAS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 461,849, dated October 27, 1891.

Application filed July 25, 1891. Serial No. 400,685. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, HOWARD A. RUNKLE, a citizen of the United States, residing at Reading, in the county of Berks, State of Pennsylvania,have invented certain Improvements'in Drip-Cups for Umbrellas, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in drip-cups adapted to be attached to the ferrule ends of umbrellas. Cups heretofore provided for this purpose have been so objectionalole in form and in the manner of attachment that they have not been satisfactory and have consequently been but little used.

The object of my invention is to overcome such objections and to provide a cup which may be conveniently applied and which will at the same time be pleasing in appearance and useful in its effects.

The invention is fully described in connection with the accompanying drawings, and is specifically pointed out in the claim.

Figure 1 is an elevation showing the lower portion of an umbrella with my drip-cup attached thereto. Fig. 2 is a sectional elevation of the cup detached; and Fig. 3 is a crosssection on the line 00 00, Fig. 2.

The cup portion B of my device is of asubstantially globular form, being contracted near the mouth so as to be butlittle larger in diameter than the stick of the umbrella, to the ferrule end a of which the device is attached. The tapering extension bof the cup is recessed at b, so as to admitthe ferrule on the end of the stick, and is preferably formed with longitudinal corrugations which serve tomake the attachment of the device to the stick more secure. This extension is closed at the end and is surrounded by a band of metal c,which serves the purpose of a ferrule on the cup extension by strengthening and protecting it from wear. The surface of the cup is formed with longitudinal projections or ribs b which not only serve the purpose of maintaining the general shape of the cup without interfering with its being closed, if desired, for convenience in shipping or carrying in the pocket, but which also add to the appearance of the umbrella, especially when it is raised, the ribs on the cup corresponding in direction with the ribs of the um- 'brella.

My device is attached to the umbrella by passing the ferrule end'of the stick through the open neck of the cup and pressingit into the recess 17. The total height of the device is such that the flaring top cl of the cup will in no case extend near enough to the fabric forming the cover to prevent the latter from being opened without coming in contact with the cup. The device may be left permanently upon the stick or it may be attached only when desired. An umbrella thus provided can be carried open or closed, as usual, and its appearance is not marred, but rather improved. Upon entering a room after being Wet it may be stood in any convenient place upon the projecting extension I) of the cup and the flaring mouth (I will effectually catch all drippings and convey them to the cup from Which'they can hardly be emptied accidentally, owing to the contracted neck. The umbrella is opened withoutinjuring the fabric, which is not brought in contact with the cup.

I am aware that it is not new to provide umbrellas with drip-cups, and I do not broadly claim this as my invention; but

What I claim is As an improved article of manufacture, the herein-described rubber drip-cup for umbrellas, comprising a globular cup B, having longitudinal ribs, a flaring top, a recessed extension closed at its lower end formed with longitudinal corrugations, said extension being adapted to receive and entirely inclose the ferrule of the umbrella, substantially as shown and described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

HOWARD A. RUNKLE.

Witnesses:

JACOB UMSTEAD, .H. J. SMITH. 

